Pistachio-Crusted Salmon

Want a 5-star dinner with minimal effort? This Pistachio-Crusted Salmon recipe is perfect for any occasion! A simple pistachio topping, made with lemon zest, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese, is sprinkled onto salmon fillets and then baked in the oven. With this method, you’ll get flavorful, perfectly flakey salmon every time.

Pistachio-Crusted Salmon Recipe

If it were up to me, I would eat salmon at LEAST once a week. And with this Pistachio-Salmon recipe?! That goes up to 3 times a week!

This dish came about by chance when I wanted to switch up this Panko-Crusted Salmon, but now it’s become a staple at my house!

The pistachio mixture that goes on top of the salmon is perfectly nutty, with brightness from the lemon and a tang from the Parmesan cheese.

Since it’s carefully baked in the oven you can monitor the internal temperature closely to end up with perfectly flakey salmon!

And the presentation? I think we can all agree that the nutty crust doesn’t just taste great, it’s absolutely GORGEOUS—perfect for your next fancy dinner or holiday party! But don’t think you can’t have it in the regular dinner rotation for an easy weeknight dinner, as well.

(Are you a fellow salmon lover? Then you’ve got to check another easy healthy dinner recipe, like this Oven-Baked Salmon in Foil, Lemon Dill Salmon, Air Fryer Salmon, or this Teriyaki Salmon!) 

Ingredients

• Salmon. While you can use just about any type of salmon fillet, a few are better options. If you see Verlasso, grab it. This type is sustainably raised and provides incredible flavor and health benefits, like fatty acids. Whether you get farm-raised or wild salmon, fresh is better than frozen. Always look for the freshest possible options when buying seafood.
• Pistachios. You want raw nuts. Avoid ones that are roasted or salted. 
• Panko breadcrumbs. Be sure to get Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs for extra flavor. Grab a gluten-free Panko if needed.
• Parmesan cheese. Grated Parmesan cheese is mixed into the topping mixture. Save time by buying it pre-grated from the store.
• Lemon. Lemon zest adds a fresh flavor you don’t want to miss.

How to Make Pistachio Crusted Salmon

Please see the recipe card below for ingredient amounts and more detailed instructions.

1. Prepare the Salmon

Preheat the oven to 425℉.

With a sharp knife, cut the salmon into 4-5 ounce portions so it cooks evenly. If you prefer, you can remove the skin. However, it’s fine to leave it on. Dry the salmon with a paper towel.

Spray a 13×9-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Then, place salmon pieces onto the pan.

2. Make the Topping

Place pistachios, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, zest, salt, and black pepper into the bowl of a food processor.

Pulse until a fine crumb forms and everything is well mixed. Drizzle the oil into the processor and pulse until the mixture is just combined.

3. Top the Salmon

Add a spoonful of the crunchy pistachio crust to each fillet, ensuring equal amounts are used in each one.

Use your fingers to press the mixture down so it sticks well.

4. Bake in the Oven

Bake salmon at 425℉ oven for 16 to 18 minutes. 

Salmon cooks differently depending on the type and how big it is. The fillets are done when the thickest part of the topping is golden brown and the fish flakes easily with a fork, or when a meat thermometer reads 145℉.

Serve the tender salmon immediately with some chopped fresh parsley.

What to Serve with Pistachio-Crusted Salmon

There are SO many side dishes that perfectly complement this pistachio salmon dish for a delicious meal.

Go green with Sautéed Green Beans with Garlic, Honey Roasted Broccoli, or Roasted Asparagus.

Or, stick with Duchess Potatoes, Melting Potatoes, or Hasselback Sweet Potatoes alongside this easy baked salmon.

More Salmon Recipes

There are plenty more healthy—and simple—dinner recipes that feature salmon. Don’t miss these favorites:

• Honey Sriracha Glazed Salmon
• Miso Glazed Salmon
• Salmon Piccata
• Salmon Curry with Coconut Milk
• Blackened Salmon
• Air Fryer Salmon
• Baked Pesto Salmon